🌱 Passport Fees Under Scrutiny + Wind Chill To Bring Sub-Zero Temps

Hello all! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally. Today you'll find these stories and more...

• Passport fees are under scrutiny in Georgia.
• Freezing weather is here until Saturday, at least.
• Seven REACH Georgia Scholars have been chosen.

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 48 Low: 39.

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Here are the top three stories in Woodstock-Towne Lake today:

1. The GBI is investigating the use of passport shipping fees kept as compensation by the Clerk of Superior Courts in Cobb County. While Georgia allows passport processing fees to be used as compensation, the Cobb clerk is accused of holding $86,000 in shipping fees for herself, which is not allowed. This discovery brought to light the current guidelines, where 100% of the application fee for passports in Georgia is handed to the federal government while the processing fee is either partially or given in full to the clerks to do with as they will. This practice is being examined and will likely be argued in next year's General Assembly. In 2021 alone, the Cobb clerk made over $220,000, the Fulton clerk made over $360,000, the Dekalb clerk made over $200,000 and the Gwinnett clerk made more than $100,000 in processing fees beyond their standard salaries. In Cherokee County, though, things are done a little differently. Here, $25 of the $35 processing fee is added to the county's general fund and the remaining $10 is put into a support fund that the clerk uses for items like office supplies, lunch for staff or other work-related items. With a refreshing view, the Cherokee County Superior Court Clerk was quoted as saying "Just because you can do something, doesn't always mean you should." (Atlanta First News)
2. Cherokee County has been put under a wind chill watch for Thursday night through Saturday morning. The National Weather Service advised that it's possible wind chills will be as low as 10 below zero or lower in our area and that we may not see temperatures above freezing for as many as three days, with the wind chill bringing that to below zero temperatures. We are also expected to have high wind gusts of up to 30 mph, raising the possibility of downed trees and power lines. Snow may fall late Thursday or early Friday, but will likely not accumulate above a half-inch. There is a warming shelter set up for Friday-Sunday at Action Church in Canton. Those seeking warmth can arrive at the church after 6 p.m. each night and will leave by 8 a.m. the next morning, and dinner and breakfast will be served. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
3. The first REACH Georgia Scholars in Cherokee County have been announced. REACH Georgia is a needs-based mentorship and college scholarship program to help middle school students attend and complete school. Seven eighth-graders have been chosen for the inaugural program, one from each middle school. REACH Georgia is part of Georgia's Complete College Initiative, and the program's aim is to provide chosen students the academic, social and financial support they need to graduate high school and college. Students that complete the program will receive up to $10,000 in scholarship money. (CCSD Press Release)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

• Joy of Breathing: learn the Joy of Breathing technique and enjoy a free Pranayama class with Soul Dimension. The free class will be via Zoom meeting. Please see the listing for more information. (1 - 1:30 p.m.)
• Grinch Day: head over to the library for crafts, activities and more. Children must be accompanied by an adult to the event at the Woodstock Library, 7735 Main Street. (3 - 5 p.m.)
• "The Polar Express": read the book, relax in your pajamas and drink some cocoa. Please register here for the event at the Rose Creek Library, 4476 Towne Lake Parkway. (5 - 6 p.m.)
• Ladies Night, Live Music: live music every Wednesday. “The Radio Show” starts playing at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Guston's Grille, 12195 Highway 92, Suite 156. (5 p.m. - 1 a.m.)
• Teen Nostalgia Night Featuring "The Polar Express": for teens ages 12 and up. Wear your pajamas and get nice and comfortable for a movie viewing, snacks and hot cocoa at the R.T. Jones Memorial Library, 116 Brown Industrial Parkway in Canton. (6 - 7 p.m.)
• Santa Claus is Coming to J.D.'s: meet Santa and Alpine the Elf at J.D.'s Bar-B-Que, 6426 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 160. (6 - 8 p.m.)
• Hand Up Stand Up Comedy Night: enjoy a night of comedy at Rootstock, 8558 Main Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• DJ Trivia: every Wednesday at Woodstock Beer Market, 240 Chambers Street. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Fight Club Wednesdays: the top three winners in the tournament win prizes. The game this week is Street Fighter 5 at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. (8 - 10 p.m.)
• Senior Center Programs:
  • Fit Over 50 - have fun with chair yoga, balance, bands, weights and core strength exercises every Wednesday and Friday at the WGLSC Activity Center Expansion. (9:30 - 10:30 a.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage (free shows):
  • Top Artists Extended Sets (6 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios:
  • Chris Collins & Boulder Canyon - John Denver Tribute Christmas Concert (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Cherokee Sheriff's Office put together some important tips for the extended period of freezing temperatures we're about take on. Be sure to wear layers, check on family and neighbors (especially those elderly or infirmed), limit your time outside, bring the pets inside, protect your pipes by letting your faucets drip and keep jumper cables and an emergency kit in your car. (Cherokee Sheriff's Office via Facebook)
• Correction: A special game of trivia is going on at The Daily Draft on Thursday, December 22. In last Wednesday's newsletter, I erroneously listed it for Friday. The “A Christmas Story”-themed trivia night on Thursday will be hosted by actor Yano Anaya, who played Grover Dill in the movie. There will be a meet and greet starting at 6:30 p.m. and trivia starts at 7 p.m. (Downtown Woodstock via Facebook)
• Rootstock is holding an ASW Bottle Fundraiser to benefit Camp Twin Lakes, and it will run through January. Those that donate will receive a gift of appreciation. You can find more information and donate here. (Rootstock)
• Downtown Woodstock: "The Rustic Market Before Christmas After Christmas Sale is HERE! Enjoy 40% off all Christmas merchandise online & in-store until December 24th! @shoptherusticmarket #woodstockga #woodstockgeorgia #downtownwoodstock" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Downtown Woodstock: "Custom shirts at Little River Clothing & Outdoors make a very special gift for Christmas! @littleriverwoodstock #woodstockga #woodstockgeorgia #downtownwoodstock" (Downtown Woodstock via Instagram)
• Nextdoor Neighbor, Magnolia Walk: "YOU MATTER. Not sure if you've heard this today, but I just wanted to say that you matter. Even if you don't hear it enough, you are valued, appreciated, and make this world a better place. Please never give up on yourself. I know the holidays can be painful, stressful, and everything in between....but you are amazing." (Nextdoor)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update!

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Daily? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com